Acts 13:48 - As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
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What does "Acts 13:48" mean?
Acts 13:48 is a pivotal verse that touches on the nature of salvation, God's sovereignty, and human response. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"As the Gentiles heard this..." This refers back to Paul and Barnabas preaching the Gospel message, likely including the offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In this context, "this" probably refers to the entirety of their message, centered on Jesus's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
"...they were glad, and glorified the word of God." The Gentiles responded to the message with joy and praise for God. Their gladness demonstrates their acceptance and appreciation of the Gospel, perhaps recognizing its message of grace and hope for those outside the Jewish community. "Glorified the word of God" means they spoke highly of it, revered it, and acknowledged its divine origin and power.
"As many as were appointed to eternal life believed." This is the most debated and theologically significant part of the verse.
"Appointed to eternal life": This phrase suggests a pre-ordained or predestined aspect to salvation. The Greek word translated as "appointed" (tasso) implies an ordering, arranging, or setting in place. This is often interpreted as God having a plan and purpose for who would ultimately believe.
"Believed": This refers to their act of faith in Jesus Christ. It's the human response to the Gospel message.
Different Interpretations:
The meaning of "appointed to eternal life believed" is often debated within Christian theology. Here are a few perspectives:
Calvinist Perspective (Emphasis on Divine Sovereignty): This view emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation. They believe God, before the foundation of the world, chose or elected certain individuals to be saved. This verse is often cited as evidence of that election. They would say that God's appointment causes belief. God's grace makes the chosen ones receptive to the Gospel, enabling them to believe.
Arminian Perspective (Emphasis on Free Will): This view emphasizes human free will in the decision to accept or reject salvation. They might interpret "appointed" as God foreknowing who would believe, and in His foreknowledge, "appointing" them to eternal life. Or, they may suggest that "appointed" refers to the invitation that is extended to all, and those who accept the invitation by believing are those appointed to eternal life in that sense. Therefore, Belief precedes being "appointed."
Other Interpretations: Some scholars propose alternative readings that balance divine initiative and human agency. They might suggest that God's appointment is based on His perfect knowledge of all possibilities, including the choices people would freely make.
Key Points to Consider:
Context: The verse is part of Luke's narrative of the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. It highlights the positive response from the Gentiles, contrasting with the rejection by some of the Jews in the previous verses.
Balance: It's important to consider both the divine initiative (God's appointment) and the human response (believing) in the salvation process.
Mystery: Some aspects of God's plan and how it interacts with human free will may remain a mystery.
In summary, Acts 13:48 describes the Gentiles' joyful acceptance of the Gospel and emphasizes the concept of God's appointment or predestination in relation to salvation, while also highlighting the essential role of faith in believing. However, the specific interpretation of the "appointed" aspect remains a subject of theological debate.
Acts 13:48 - As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
What does "Acts 13:48" mean?
Acts 13:48 is a pivotal verse that touches on the nature of salvation, God's sovereignty, and human response. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"As the Gentiles heard this..." This refers back to Paul and Barnabas preaching the Gospel message, likely including the offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In this context, "this" probably refers to the entirety of their message, centered on Jesus's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
"...they were glad, and glorified the word of God." The Gentiles responded to the message with joy and praise for God. Their gladness demonstrates their acceptance and appreciation of the Gospel, perhaps recognizing its message of grace and hope for those outside the Jewish community. "Glorified the word of God" means they spoke highly of it, revered it, and acknowledged its divine origin and power.
"As many as were appointed to eternal life believed." This is the most debated and theologically significant part of the verse.
"Appointed to eternal life": This phrase suggests a pre-ordained or predestined aspect to salvation. The Greek word translated as "appointed" (tasso) implies an ordering, arranging, or setting in place. This is often interpreted as God having a plan and purpose for who would ultimately believe.
"Believed": This refers to their act of faith in Jesus Christ. It's the human response to the Gospel message.
Different Interpretations:
The meaning of "appointed to eternal life believed" is often debated within Christian theology. Here are a few perspectives:
Calvinist Perspective (Emphasis on Divine Sovereignty): This view emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation. They believe God, before the foundation of the world, chose or elected certain individuals to be saved. This verse is often cited as evidence of that election. They would say that God's appointment causes belief. God's grace makes the chosen ones receptive to the Gospel, enabling them to believe.
Arminian Perspective (Emphasis on Free Will): This view emphasizes human free will in the decision to accept or reject salvation. They might interpret "appointed" as God foreknowing who would believe, and in His foreknowledge, "appointing" them to eternal life. Or, they may suggest that "appointed" refers to the invitation that is extended to all, and those who accept the invitation by believing are those appointed to eternal life in that sense. Therefore, Belief precedes being "appointed."
Other Interpretations: Some scholars propose alternative readings that balance divine initiative and human agency. They might suggest that God's appointment is based on His perfect knowledge of all possibilities, including the choices people would freely make.
Key Points to Consider:
Context: The verse is part of Luke's narrative of the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. It highlights the positive response from the Gentiles, contrasting with the rejection by some of the Jews in the previous verses.
Balance: It's important to consider both the divine initiative (God's appointment) and the human response (believing) in the salvation process.
Mystery: Some aspects of God's plan and how it interacts with human free will may remain a mystery.
In summary, Acts 13:48 describes the Gentiles' joyful acceptance of the Gospel and emphasizes the concept of God's appointment or predestination in relation to salvation, while also highlighting the essential role of faith in believing. However, the specific interpretation of the "appointed" aspect remains a subject of theological debate.